Where stylist Thalea Michos-Vellis shops for basics
image via @eye99/instagram
words by Thalea Michos-Vellis
Wardrobe essentials.
Contrary to the name itself, arming yourself with good basics doesn’t mean your wardrobe has to feel basic. It’s more about setting yourself up with the right building blocks, like a T-shirt you know will go with everything, or a pair of jeans that fit perfectly.
If there’s one person who has nailed this mode of dressing, it’s Australian stylist Thalea Michos-Vellis. Her personal style is proof that simple pieces don’t have to forgo colour and personality. Instead, it’s about finding a good cut or versatile staple, and then experimenting with styling and accessories.
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If there’s another common thread tying Thalea’s favourite local labels together, it’s that once these brands have nailed a certain style, it’s often released in a handful of different colourways and patterns. For example, her most-loved pair of pants comes in 10 different shades (Thalea herself has four).
Eager for a peek into her wardrobe, we asked Thalea to share her favourite Australian and New Zealand brands for basics.
The perfect T-shirt: Buddy
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“Based in Auckland, Buddy is known for its hemp and organic cotton fabrication. This composition gives the top a perfect silhouette. Although the mini T-shirt is slimmer with smaller sleeves, I like the fit and it’s not too much of a baby cut. I have the mini in Tomato and have my eye on a few more.”
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Everyday pants: Deiji Studios
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“The Ease pant from Deiji Studios is the ultimate basic, everyday staple. Usually it comes in GOTS certified organic cotton poplin or linen, making it the perfect non-fuss shape that works on its own, under skirts or dresses, and in any season.
Deiji always release new colours each season, which makes it easy to stock up. I have these in a minimum of four colours, which I can slip on with any outfit. And shout out to the Turn pant, which is also great if you need a basic pleated style.”
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The classic button-up shirt: E Nolan
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“This is your one-stop shop for a button-up shirt. Again, the thing I love best about all these places is that they nail a shape and then offer it in the best fabrics and colours, so you can stock up. E Nolan is no different, plus they’re made in Melbourne.
I also want to mention that Em, the designer, always tried to find a way to use fabric scraps to minimise waste. Her scrunchies are so fun and high-quality. Highly recommend!”
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The best-fitting jeans: Cezen
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“What’s more basic than a T-shirt and jeans? Cezen is a Melbourne based label that has nailed its signature shape, Sweet Leaf, and offers it in four versatile shades of raw deadstock denim. I’m currently eyeing off wheat.”
Get them here.
Reliable (and cute) underwear: Juem
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“Byron Bay-based label Juem is always where I turn for underwear and bras. I especially love them as a mum – they offer cute basic maternity options, which is a rare thing.”
Stylish, functional workwear: Marsh
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“One day when I’m building my own house or tending to my own garden, I’ll be wearing Marsh. The label is known for its range of stylish and functional workwear – pieces that are casual yet utilitarian. What I love most is it’s a small family-run business out of Byron bay, committed to working with durable natural fabrics.”
For more on everyday staples, try this.
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